Reading Coach

“Before I never used to open a book because I thought I couldn’t read but now I can. I used to think it was boring reading before but now I don't.” – from a learner working with an ALT Reading Coach

The Adult Literacy Trust (ALT) wants to help adult learners break the cycle of poor literacy by offering them personalised reading support.

We offer one-to-one literacy support as a complement to formal teaching in education settings. We are dedicated to ensuring that adults who wish to improve their literacy skills – and to increase their life chances – receive the help they need to become confident readers. 

Would you like to support an adult learner to become a confident reader? We are looking for volunteers to become trained Reading Coaches and work with adult learners on a one-to-one (or sometimes one-to-two) basis. 

What it looks like in practice:
• Meeting a learner weekly, on-site at their college campus, typically before or after their formal classes for about an hour a week 

• Building a constructive relationship with a learner

• Helping to check the learner’s understanding, build their confidence in reading, and provide support where needed 

• Helping the learner practice skills they’re learning in the classroom and encourage confidence and resilience so that they persist with their studies

About you
ALT are looking for volunteers who are: • Good communicators, with strong reading and listening skills • Friendly, warm, and approachable • Reliable and punctual • Empathetic, patient, and non-judgemental • Have an ability to explain things in a simple manner • Passionate about literacy and its importance

Where and when:
ALT is partnered with a range of colleges across London as we assign you to a location that works for you. 

The timings are flexible – ALT match you to a learner based on your respective availability. Typically, most ALT sessions take place sometime between 10am-6pm, Monday to Friday.